Management of the flow of persons in relation to centers of crowd concentration via television control

ABSTRACT

A method and system for the loading of patrons at multiple attractions at an entertainment includes the first-in first-out line and a priority based line. A cellular telephone is used to obtain and claim priority status. In other forms different priorities are established based on where, when and the number of priority spaces required. Different hierarchies are established for computer controlling the different lines for multiple attractions in the entertainment environment. The system and method also provide for moving people from an area of concentration to other locations.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/617,721, filed Jul. 17, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,098entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING ATTRACTION ADMISSIONS, whichin turn is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 09/372,405,filed Aug. 10, 1999, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,209. Thisapplication is also related to application Ser. No. 10/687,191,application Ser. No. 10/687,243, application Ser. No. 10/687,190, all ofwhich have been filed concurrently herewith. The contents of thoseapplications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to control of crowds. In particular, it concernsthe control of the flow of masses of people. More specifically, this isin relation to specific areas which are centers of concentration forcrowds. The methods and systems of the invention also concern managingthe entry and admission to multiple attractions. In particular, theinvention is concerned with the management of multiple attractions inentertainment environments such as theme parks.

There are different techniques used to manage lines at theme parks andachieve for patrons of entertainment environments a pleasant experiencein minimizing wait times and permitting efficient use of time spent inthese parks. Similarly, there is a need for operators of entertainmentfacilities to improve the throughput of patrons to different ridefacilities and establishments in the park. In this way, there is anefficient use of different facilities and patrons can use differentfacilities and activities in a way which benefits the park. More patronscan be accommodated on different attractions in an efficient manner.

Overall, the entertainment experience for patrons and operators ofentertainment facilities needs to be enhanced.

The invention is concerned with a method and system for managing theloading of patrons on different attractions in an entertainmentenvironment where there are multiple attractions. More particularly, theinvention is concerned with management of lines or queues of patrons inan effective manner which is user-friendly and at the same time providesa system directed towards maximizing use of the facilities in the parkby as many patrons as possible.

An improved system, method and apparatus for managing access and loadingof attractions in an entertainment environment is thus desired.

Additionally, the invention is concerned with an enhanced system andmethod of crowd control in the sense of moving masses of people inand/or out of areas of people concentration as necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention in one form relates to a system and method managing theloading of patrons on multiple attractions in an entertainmentenvironment. It provides for patrons and customers the choice ofstanding in a first-in first-out line for the attraction, or having apriority space reservation for admission to the attraction at a latertime without standing in the first-in first-out line or queue.

The invention further provides for an improvement whereby a controlcomputer and software system dynamically and constantly adjusts toaccount for variations in the entertainment environment, the patronload, external factors such as weather, breakdown or slowing down ofcertain attractions in the entertainment complex, and over demands forspecial promotions and attractions.

The invention includes a method and system of managing the loading bypatrons of multiple attractions in an entertainment environment.Different patrons are, permitted access to the attraction on at leasttwo bases, firstly, on a first-in first-out basis, and secondly, on apriority basis established by a prior allocation of a space to theattraction.

The method and system further permits a patron of an attraction to use awireless device in order to gain access to an attraction. The wirelessdevice may for example, be a mobile telephone. Entry of a request on thewireless device is made for an allocation of a space on the firstattraction. This includes the steps of:

-   -   i. registering/authenticating a patron with the reservation        system;    -   ii. receiving an input from a patron at a remote location, the        input being communicated to a central computer for requesting a        reservation for an attraction;    -   iii. permitting the receiving of a response by the patron        remotely about available return times for the first attraction;        and    -   iv. permitting the patron to effect a selection of one of the        available return times.

A keying operation is employed through the mobile telephone to requestaccess to a first attraction. The patron may be at a remote locationfrom the attraction. The input from the remote location is generatedfrom a telephone keypad, or other input device employed by the wirelessdevice. The patron is provided with a menu from which to makeselections. The menu may, for example, be displayed on an LCD display asis common on mobile telephones. The input is effected for selecting frommultiple attractions in the environment. In an alternative form themobile telephone or wireless device is responsive to voice actuation bya user or patron for requesting access to the first attraction and/ormaking different selections from the menu.

In another aspect of the present invention there is a hierarchy forpatrons using the priority basis. Different patrons in the hierarchy arepermitted access to a first attraction. A request for an allocation of aspace on the first attraction includes the steps of:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a remote location. The input is        communicated to a central computer for requesting a reservation        for an attraction;    -   ii. allocating available return times in relation to a level of        a patron in the hierarchy;    -   iii. permitting receiving of a response remotely about available        return times for the first attraction; and    -   iv. permitting the patrons to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

In one format, the hierarchy is preferably determined on the basis ofthose remotely located from the environment when making a priorityrequest relative to those located at the environment making the priorityrequest. Alternatively, the hierarchy can be based on those resident ina facility associated with the environment when making the request, andthose located at the environment making the priority request.

For example, in one embodiment a person who is planning a vacation ortrip to the entertainment venue is sent notification that they canreserve access to attractions ahead of their visit. The person uses acomputer that is connected to the Internet to visit a website in orderto make a request for a priority reservation in accordance with thepresent invention. In another embodiment, the entertainment venue mayoffer a service to hotels or other surrounding venues whereby a personmay make priority requests prior to their visit to the entertainmentvenue. For example, a person would use the television and remote controlin their hotel room to make reservations for one or more attractions theday before their visit to the venue. In the preferred implementationthere already needs to be a valid pass or ticket for the entertainmentvenue prior to being able to purchase or obtain the reservation for theattraction. Preferably there cane be a validation of the pass or ticketby the computer system before issuing the reservation.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided multiplepriority request systems to selected patrons, the multiple requestsbeing for different attractions in the environment. This way, a patroncan schedule visits to multiple attractions

Multiple priority requests can be permitted to selected patrons, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment.The multiple requests can be for different patrons in a selected groupand can be at least one of the levels of the hierarchy of patrons.

In yet a further aspect of the invention, application through an entryof an allocation of a space on the first attraction includes the stepsof:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a remote location. The input is        effected through a control device associated with an interactive        television unit, selectively a digital television. A control        device operates the television, and the input is communicated to        a central computer for regulating the load of the first        attraction;    -   ii. permitting receiving of a response remotely about the        available return times for the first attraction; and    -   iii. permitting the patron to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

The television can be locatable remotely from the environment. Theremote location can be selectively in at least one of a room of apatron, the room, being associated with the entertainment environment.Alternatively, the television can be in a common area of a facilityhousing the room.

The television application of the invention can include differentaspects of a hierarchy of available times determined on the basis ofthose remotely located from the environment when making a priorityrequest and those located at the environment making the priorityrequest.

The priority access can be redeemable through a selected essentiallyautomatic procedure. Such procedure can include any one or more of thereading of one of an RF identification, reading of a magnetic code orbarcode allocated to the patron. Redemption can be at a time of entryinto the environment or at the attraction in the environment.

A computing process determines the mix ratio of numbers of accessesgranted to the priority access and non-priority access. Redemptions ofthe priority accesses are fed back such that near real time updates ofavailability for further granting of accesses may be computed.

There is also the ability to permit at least one of the exchange orreturn of previously assigned priority access. Such exchange permits forupdating the computation of a load of the attraction. A non-use of apriority assignment is preferably factored into a computation ofloading.

A goal of this invention is to improve the desired functionality neededto derive increased guest satisfaction, additional revenue opportunitiesand resort differentiation.

The invention is further described in relation to the “Fastpass”(Trademark, Disney Enterprises, Inc.) system of achieving linemanagement. For ease of reference the trademark Fastpass is used herein.It is however not the only system of line or queue management covered bythis invention. The invention generally covers different prioritysystems operable conjunctively with the first-in first-out system.

The invention also concerns different aspects of crowd control in manydifferent environments and circumstances as more generally describedbelow.

Furthered objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description and drawings, whichfollow, when considered with the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of an attraction admission managementsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for managingadmission to a single attraction.

FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail a system such as that illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system of the present invention, which includesmultiple systems for managing admission to multiple attractions.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a management system where multipletickets are granted on a long-term basis, the tickets being receivedbefore visiting a park.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the management of a system wheremultiple tickets are granted on a long-term basis, the tickets beingobtained when visiting the park.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere information is fed from a master server to a controller of anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 a to 7 c show a flow diagram illustrating a method of theinvention by which information is fed from a controller to a masterserver of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a system in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a mobile Fastpass system.

FIG. 11 is a more detailed indication of the process flow of the mobileFastpass system using a cellular telephone.

FIG. 12 is a further detailed illustration of the system showing theprocess flow of the mobile Fastpass system using the cellular telephone.

FIG. 13 is a continuation of the process flow showing the mobileFastpass system using the cellular telephone.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the system environment using cellulartelephone through a wireless connection with an attraction site.

FIG. 15 is a further illustration of a cellular telephone use andwireless connection with an entertainment environment showing thecomputers for controlling the operation of the priority Fastpass system.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the process flow fromregistration to issue of a Fastpass as shown in relation to the messagesflowing to the screen of the input device to the point of obtaining theFastpass ticket.

FIG. 17 is a process flow diagram illustrating the use of the Fastpasswith the mobile device at an attraction accessible on a priority basiswith the Fastpass device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, well-known features may have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention.

There is at least a method and a system for managing admission to anattraction. The system is particularly applicable for use in anenvironment where the number of customers which desire access to anattraction is greater, at one or more times, than the capacity of theattraction. Such a condition may be referred to as a condition ofinsufficient capacity. By insufficient capacity, it is meant that fewercustomers can be accommodated at/by the attraction than wish to beaccommodated at a particular time or over a period of time. Thiscondition may arise by an imposed limitation, such as where it isdesired to limit the number of persons in a particular area at a giventime. This may be for safety or a variety of other purposes. Thiscondition may also arise due to physical limitations, such as the numberof seats on a particular ride and the cycle time of the ride.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.The system is for use in controlling admission or entry to an attraction22. As used herein, the term “attraction” is meant to comprise anylocation or presentation to which one or more customers wish to gainaccess. The attraction may comprise a location at which a service isprovided, such as a ride, stage or other show, theater, parade,restaurant or other food service, merchandise location, transportationor the like. The attraction may also comprise a geographic location,such as a natural wonder, art museum or the like. Thus, while the systemhas particular applicability to and is described herein for use incontrolling access to a ride-type attraction, the system may be used ina wide variety of other environments where it is desired to avoid lines.

The system includes a first queue 24 by which customers, gain access tothe attraction 22 by waiting in a line, much as has been done in theprior art. In other words, the customers in the first queue 24 have anorder in line based on a time at which they enter the queue, and areable to utilize the attraction in that order when a space or capabilityis available. In one or more embodiments, the queue 24 includes aturnstile 28, or similar device for controlling access, positioned at anentrance of the attraction 22. The queue 24 may also include ropes,fences 30 or the like for defining a space in which the customers lineup.

The customers in the first queue 24 are permitted to access theattraction when there is an open spot not filled by the customersaccessing the attraction via the second queue 26. As described in moredetail below, the number of customers permitted to access the attractionvia the second queue 26 may be adjusted to provide a certain number ofopen spots for customers in the first queue 24. For example, 80% of theavailable spots for the attraction may be dedicated to and filled bycustomers from the second queue 26, while the remaining 20% are filledby customers from the first queue 24. In addition, if one or more of thespots dedicated to the customers of the second queue 26 are not filled,such as if one or more customers who obtain passes for accessing thesecond queue 26 do not return to access the attraction, then these spotsmay be filled by customers in the first queue 24. As described in moredetail below, this, arrangement permits the attraction to operate at alltimes at optimum capacity.

The system of the invention also includes the second queue 26 by whichcustomers gain access to the attraction 22 without waiting in a line andthereby avoid the first queue 24. In one or more embodiments of thesystem, the system includes at least one validator for validating theright of a customer to receive an assigned time to access the attractionvia the second queue.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the system includes a firstvalidator 32 validating the right of a customer to receive an assignedfuture time to utilize the second queue 26, and a second validator 34for permitting the customer to access the attraction 22 at a future timevia the second queue 26. In this manner, the customer can avoid thefirst queue 24.

In operation, a customer utilizes the first validator 32 to obtain anassigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the secondqueue 26. As described below, in one embodiment, an entitled or“validated” customer may be issued a pass which includes a time or timerange at which the customer is entitled to return and utilize theattraction. The amount of time between the time a pass is issued and thetime at which the customer can utilize the attraction depends on anumber of factors, including the number of people who have alreadyobtained passes, the capacity of the attraction, the operating speed ofthe attraction, staffing availability, the capacity of the attractionallocated to the customers accessing it via the second queue, and anydelays related to operation of the attraction.

When the assigned time or time range (such as that indicated on thepass) occurs, the customer is entitled to access the attraction withoutwaiting in line. The customer accesses the second queue 26 andestablishes entitlement to access the attraction via the second queue26. In one embodiment, the customer presents the issued pass at secondvalidator 34 and if the pass is valid, i.e., the time or time range isappropriate, the pass is not counterfeit, etc., the customer is admittedto the attraction.

A customer may only use the second queue when the customer has notpreviously been issued a yet unused or unexpired pass. This scheme is toprevent customers from obtaining multiple passes for a singleattraction, preventing others from enjoying it, or to prevent customersfrom reserving admittance to multiple attractions. A customer may bepermitted to obtain multiple passes to one or more attractions, asdescribed in greater detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, at or near an entrance to attraction 22, acustomer is presented with a point of decision 36 where the customerdecides whether to access the attraction 22 via the first queue 24 orthe second queue 26. When there is no appreciable line in the firstqueue 24, the customer may decide to forego the second queue and utilizethe attraction in a prior art manner. If the line or queue 24 is toolong, or if the customer wishes to utilize the system of the invention,the customer chooses the second queue 26.

The system includes a first queue wait time generator 31 and associated,display 33. The first queue wait time generator 31 is configured togenerate a time regarding the wait associated with accessing theattraction via the first queue 24 by a customer about to enter the firstqueue 24. Of course, the wait time may be calculated manually, such asby tracking the wait time of one or more particular customers throughthe first queue 24 from time of entry until time of attraction access.In one or more embodiments, the first queue wait time generator 31includes sensors which provide data for use by the generator 31 indetermining a current length of the wait associated with that line. Thesensors may provide information such as the physical length of the line.The generator 31 may use this information and information such as thecurrent ride capacity, percentage of capacity allocated to customersaccessing via the second queue 26, and other factors for generating anapproximate first queue wait time. Various data for use by the generator31 may be input manually as well. For example, a ride operator mayvisually estimate the physical length of a line and input line lengthdata to the generator 31. The first queue wait time display 33 isconfigured to provide a customer at the point of decision 36 with thefirst queue wait time information. The display 33 may comprise a digitalor other display for displaying hours and/or minutes of wait time.

The system includes a second queue time display 35. This display 35 isconfigured to display the next time which will be assigned to a customerfor accessing the attraction through the second queue 26. The display 35may comprise a digital or other display displaying hours and/or minutesof wait time.

Using the information regarding the access times available to a customervia the displays 33 and 35 respectively, a customer is aided in theprocess of deciding to access the attraction through the first or secondqueues 24 and 26 respectively.

The first validator 32 for verifying entitlement of a customer to anassigned future time may be located remote from the attraction or theremay be more than one first validator 32, one located near the attractionand one or more located remote therefrom. For example, a first validator32 may be located near an entrance to a theme park. In such an event, adisplay 33 for displaying first queue waiting time and a display 35 fordisplaying the next available time for accessing the attraction via thesecond queue 26 may be located at the remote first validator 32 as well.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system having a first validator32, a media distributor 38, and a second queue 26 having an associatedsecond validator 34. The first validator 32 is arranged to determine orverify that a customer is entitled to an assigned future time foraccessing the attraction via the second queue 26. In one embodiment, thefirst validator 32 establishes the right of a customer to a pass havingan assigned future time, the pass for use by the customer in gainingaccess to the attraction 22 via the second queue 26 at the future time.The first validator 32 may comprise a card reader type device, which isarranged to read a magnetic stripe on a ticket issued to the customer.In such an arrangement, each customer may be provided with a ticket orsimilar element, which establishes a customer's right to access theattraction 22.

In an embodiment where the attraction 22 is inside of or part of a themepark, the ticket customer uses for validation may be a ticket which isissued to the customer by which the customer gains access to the parkitself. In such an arrangement, the first validator 32 may be arrangedto communicate with a main database containing information regarding thecustomer(s), such as by ticket numbers, which are entitled to utilizethe second queue 26.

The first validator 32 may be arranged to read input from a keypad,information on a card, to accept issued tokens, identify one or morebiometric identifiers of a customer such as a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID); retina, voice, thermal, finger or hand geometrysignature; or a visual identification of the customer or the like.

If the first validator 32 establishes the right of the customer to anassigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the secondqueue 26, then the media distributor 38 distributes a pass to a customerwhich the customer may utilize to access the attraction via the secondqueue 26. In one embodiment, the media distributor 38 comprises aprinter, which prints a paper pass or similar element. The mediadistributor 38 may issue one or more of a wide variety of media aspasses, such as magnetic-stripe encoded or “smart” cards, punch-typecards, coded tokens, barcode, infrared signal, or biometric identifierssuch as those set forth above and the like.

The pass, which is distributed to each customer by the media distributor38, is arranged to permit the customer to gain access to the attraction22 at a time in the future. The particular time, as described below, mayvary upon a wide variety of circumstances. The time comprises anassigned access time or time range, which is printed on the pass, whichis issued to an entitled customer. In the examples below, the pass isreferred to as having a “time” associated with it. It will be understoodthat this contemplates both a specific time and/or a time range, timeperiod, or time window.

The first validator 32 and the media distributor 38 may be locatedadjacent to the attraction and/or remote therefrom. In the event thefirst validator 32 and media distributor 38 are located near theattraction, after obtaining a pass or the like, the customer may leavethe area of the attraction 22 and need not return to the attraction 22until the time provided on the pass. In the event the customer obtains apass from a remote media distributor 38, the customer simply continuesabout their activities until it is necessary to travel to the vicinityof the attraction at the assigned time. As described in more detailbelow, the right of a customer to obtain passes may be a value addedfeature for which the customer pays additional monies, such as at thesame time as purchasing a main ticket.

The first validator 32 may be integral with a main ticketissuer/validator and second queue access passes may be issued at thesame time or as part of a main ticket. For example, a customer entering,a theme park may be permitted, at the time they present or purchasetheir ticket, to obtain one or more passes providing future timesassigned by the system. This permits a customer to plan or scheduletheir day ahead of time. In this arrangement, the ticket which thecustomer uses to access the theme park may be encoded and/or printedwith access time information for permitting the customer to access oneor more attractions at future times, avoiding the need to issue separatepasses.

The system and method for permitting access to the attraction 22includes a second validator 34 for establishing the right of a customerto access the attraction via the second queue 26 at assigned time. Inone embodiment, the second validator 34 validates the media or passissued by the media distributor 38 and held by a customer. In one ormore embodiments, the second validator 34 comprises a human attendantwhich reads information printed on the pass and verifies theinformation. The attendant may verify the printed assigned time or timerange against the current time, a date of the pass against a currentdate, and the attraction for which the pass is issued.

Alternatively, the second validator 34 may comprise a card reader orother device for confirming the entitlement of a customer to access theattraction 22 via the second queue 26. For example, the second validator34 may be arranged to verify data associated with the element issued bythe media distributor 38, such as a barcode or infrared signal.

The pass issued to a customer may be issued only for reference by thecustomer for knowing and remembering the assigned time or range of time,and the second validator 34 may be configured to verify entitlement ofthe customer in a manner independent of the pass. For example, acustomer may establish entitlement to a pass with a fingerprint, RFID,bar code or other personal biometric data, at the first validator 32.The pass provides written indication of the assigned time to thecustomer. When the customer accesses the second queue 26, the customermay be required to establish validation at the second validator 34 witha fingerprint, RFID, bar code or other personal biometric data, again.In this arrangement, the second validator 34 determines that thecustomer is entitled to access the attraction by establishing that theidentify of the customer with the fingerprint and determining if thetime the customer is accessing the second queue 26 is at the time/in therange of time which was assigned to the customer. It may be appreciatedthat the second validator 34 may be configured to establish validationin one or more of the variety of manners described above with respect tothe first validator 32. It should be appreciated that customers may notbe issued passes at all.

One or more schemes are provided for determining the access time whichis associated with each media which is issued by the media distributor38. A time at which a customer is permitted to gain access to theattraction 22 via the second queue 26 is dependent upon one or more of avariety of factors, including, but not limited to, the following: thecapacity of the attraction, the capacity of the attraction which isallocated to customers accessing through the second queue 26, the totalnumber of customers who may wish to access the attraction 22, thecurrent and future staffing of the attraction, the demographics of thecustomers, the time of day and the day of the week.

The system includes a controller 44. As illustrated, the controller 44is arranged to control the media distributor 38. The controller 44 mayalso be arranged to control other aspects of the system, such as thefirst validator 32. In one or more embodiments, the controller 44receives attraction capacity and/or time information and instructs themedia distributor 38 what time to issue in association with each pass.The controller 44 may send a signal to the second queue time display 35for displaying the next time to be assigned.

A keypad 46 or other data entry/control device, such as a keyboard,mouse, joystick or the like, may be provided for manually entering dataand controlling the controller 44. The keypad 46 may be used to enterspecific time information, reset the controller and the like. A displayscreen 47 such as a CRT may be associated with the controller 44 andkeypad 46 for permitting a user to view information regarding thesystem.

A local server 48 is arranged to send and receive data. The local server48 is arranged to receive data about the capacity and othercharacteristics of the attraction 22. For example, various sensors maybe associated with the attraction 22 for providing data. In one or moreembodiments, the sensors not shown may monitor ride speed, the number ofcustomers passing through or standing in the first queue 24, thecapacity of the ride, etc. The local server 48 may receive data fromthese sensors at various times or continuously, or may transmit specificrequests for data. In other embodiments, the local server 48 may be aremote server in communication with the attraction and sensors.

Information may be inputted manually or automatically. For example, eachstaff member currently available to operate a ride may manually entertheir employee code to indicate to the system that they are available tooperate the system. Based on the number of employees, which areindicated as available, adjustments may be made to the number ofcustomers which are likely to be serviced during a period of time.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, many currentattractions, such as thrill rides, already include sophisticated ridecontrol systems. These systems have a variety of sensors and controlsfor monitoring and controlling the ride. The local server 48 may simplycomprise an interface with the individual ride control systems forreceiving information therefrom.

The information provided to the server 48 is transmitted to an algorithmprocessor 50. The algorithm processor 50 utilizes the data to determinetimes for issuance by the media distributor 38. In general, it isdesired that the algorithm processor 50 issue a time associated witheach media which permits the customer to return to the attraction 22 atthe predetermined time at the second media validator 34 and access theattraction 22 such as via second validator 34 without standing in aline. In order to accurately balance demand and capacity, the algorithmprocessor 50 obtains information regarding a variety of factors, whichaffect demand and capacity. Although shown as separate entities in FIG.2, the controller 44 and algorithm processor 50 may be implemented as asingle device or process.

If the wait associated with the first queue 24 becomes longer than adesirable time, then the algorithm processor 50 may be arranged to issuefewer numbers of access times or access times which are later in time soas to permit a greater number of customers from the first queue 24 toaccess the attraction 22 for a period of time. In the event the capacityof the attraction 22 suddenly decreases, the algorithm processor 50 maybe arranged to respond in a similar fashion. In the event the capacityof the attraction 22 increases, then the algorithm processor 50 may bearranged to issue a greater number of access times.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, more than one media distributor 38 and firstvalidator 40 may be provided at each attraction 22. More than one secondmedia validator may be provided for permitting access to the attraction22.

A computing process determines the mix ratio of numbers of accessesgranted to the priority access and non-priority access. Redemptions ofthe priority accesses are fed back to the computer system such that nearreal time updates of availability for further granting of accesses maybe computed.

There is also the ability to permit at least one of the exchange orreturn of previously assigned priority accesses. Such exchange permitsfor updating the computation of a load of the attraction. A non-use of apriority assignment is factored into a computation of loading.

Multiple Fastpass and Pre-Assignment of Fastpass

A patron may make multiple priority requests for access to attractions.The multiple requests can be for different attractions in theenvironment. Multiple priority requests can be permitted to selectedpatrons. The multiple requests can be for different attractions in theenvironment. The multiple requests for different patrons in a selectedgroup can be regulated relative to at least one or more of the levels ofthe hierarchy of patrons.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention showing the ability to issue multiple Fastpass tickets. Inthat example, the hierarchy is based on different locations, which maybe remote from the park and also those in closer relation to the park.

The exemplary process of FIG. 4 starts with the marketing and salesdepartment of an organization operating in an entertainment environmentcommunicating that a special Fastpass privilege is available to resortguests. This communication is transmitted preferably wirelessly, throughthe Internet or other network, and communicated to guests resident atresort properties associated with the entertainment environment. A guestthen indicates the desirability of multiple Fastpass tickets before avisit to a park which is the entertainment environment.

Television Fastpass

There is a next determined, whether the resort has rooms with a digitalTV (“DTV”) in the room. If yes, the guest is directed to use the DTV intheir room of occupancy. This availability to use. Fastpass can beprovided on the night before or the day of the park visit. If the guesthas already made a schedule, then the guest is asked whether or not theywant to start over and add to their schedule. The guest can then beasked a series of questions related to Fastpass.

If the guest does not have a schedule, then the guest is asked a seriesof different questions. These can relate to which park is being attendedand what time they intend to arrive at the park. The guest then choosesthe appropriate Fastpass tickets that are desired. Having effected that,the return time window is displayed based on a distribution algorithmaround the attendance and historical demand profiles.

The guest can be given a time slot to use the Fastpass and differentrules can be applied to Fastpass allocation as required. If the guest issatisfied with the return time, the guest is given the option ofchoosing whether the attraction is for all guests or for selected guestsin the party. The Fastpass ticket would then be stored in the system andcan later be activated by each guest's KTTW (“Key To The World” card orpass is a trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc).

The guest can be asked whether another Fastpass is required at thecurrent park on the same day for other attractions and different numbersof tickets can be issued.

The guest can be provided with on-screen confirmation for each member ofthe party. Return time windows and height restrictions can be madeavailable to the guest so that the guest has full information necessaryto enable them to be informed and make appropriate decisions on whetheror not to accept this schedule.

Ultimately, the guest can receive a final on-screen confirmation and bedirected to any Fastpass location in the park to receive the multipleFastpasses.

In situations where there is no DTV, the guest is directed to go to akiosk for Fastpass privileges. These kiosks can be located in a commonarea at a resort or a hotel associated with the resort. When a validKTTW card is inserted, meaning that the dates check out with theavailable dates, then the guest is taken through a series of questionssimilar to that where there is a DTV in the system. If the dates do notcheck out, an error message is printed and the guest can try again.

The process of using the multiple Fastpass is further described withreference to FIG. 5. The guest enters the park and goes to the Fastpasslocation. The appropriate KTTW card is inserted and all the Fastpasstickets for the day that were booked earlier are received.

The guest is given an option to make changes and exchanges. If a guesthas not changed their mind, then the guest can spend the day at the parkand go to each attraction according to the predetermined tickets thatwere obtained at the appropriate return time window. If a guest changestheir mind due to other attractions or due to return times being betterthan what they got, the guest can go to a Fastpass screen to give orreceive options to determine whether there is a better availability.

At that screen there can be situations where no changes are allowed,situations where guests are permitted to exchange Fastpass privileges.The guest can go to a Fastpass return at a given attraction and a castmember can use a barcode scanning device to void a ticket so that theguest can get another ticket.

If the guest has changed their mind, the guest can go to the Fastpassline and show tickets to the cast member who uses the barcode scanner toread the time, and when permitted the guest can ride the attraction.Alternatively, instead of a cast member, the ticket can be readautomatically by appropriate scanning, reader and/or sensor means.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a protocol by which the masterserver 102, referred to in the figure as the “Master Server Feed”,communicates with the controller 44 of the system associated with eachattraction in one implementation associated with the informationprovided in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5H. FIGS. 7A-7C show a flow diagramillustrating a protocol by which the controller 44 communicates with themaster server 102.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a system in which validation of parkentry tickets and establishment of the entitlement of a customer toaccess the second queue 26 is centralized. In this embodiment, acustomer obtains a ticket, whether pre-purchased or purchased at thegate. A central park admission controller and database 200 storesinformation regarding valid tickets. A customer is permitted to enterthe park via a turnstile 202 or other monitored entry when thecustomer's ticket is validated. For example, the customer's ticket maybe read by a ticket reader 204 and the data thereon verified by the parkadmission controller 200 against the stored ticket information.

When a customer wishes to obtain an assigned time to access a secondqueue of an attraction, the customer establishes an entitlement via afirst validator 232. The first validator 232 communicates with thecentral park admission controller 200 via a master controller 244. Thisarrangement permits a determination that the customers ticket is validfor a specific day, has not been revoked or the like. If the ticket isvalidated, then the customer may be provided a pass, such as describedabove, by a media distributor 238. The master controller 244 is alsoarranged to send data to the central park admission controller 200 thata pass has been issued to the customer for that attraction. Then, if thecustomer attempts to gain a pass for that or another attraction whilethe first pass is outstanding, the database associated with the parkadmission controller 200 has a record of the outstanding pass and thecustomer will be denied the additional pass.

Again, an algorithm processor 250 is arranged to communicate with themaster controller 244 to provide times to be assigned and printed by themedia distributor 238.

In one or more embodiments, the system may be arranged so that not allcustomers are entitled to access the attraction 22 via the second queue.In another embodiment, one or more customers may be permitted to accesscertain attractions via the second queue and other attractions only viathe first queue. In one or more embodiments, only customers which pay apremium amount or obtain some special entitlement are permitted toaccess one or more attractions via the second queue.

Operation, Effect And Other Features

In operation, in one or more embodiments, a customer receives a ticketor other entitlement. For example, at an amusement park, a customer paysfor a ticket to gain entry to the park. With respect to the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the main server 104 storesinformation regarding the customer's ticket.

At some point a customer may wish to access a particular attraction 22.When the customer reaches the attraction, they are presented with anoption. First, the customer may access the attraction through thetraditional first queue 24. Optionally, the customer may access theattraction 22 via the second queue.

Referring to FIG. 9, if the customer wishes to access the attraction 22via the second queue 26, the customer first validates entitlement toreceive an assigned time to access the second queue 26. In oneembodiment, the customer slides a portion of his ticket through a cardreader portion of the first validator 32. In one or more otherembodiments, validation may be performed by scanning a fingerprint orthe like as described above.

In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, the first validator 32 thensends a confirmation request through the local server 48 to the mainserver 104. The main server 104 verifies that the ticket is on the listof valid tickets. If the ticket is not verified, then the main server104 sends this data back to the first validator 32 which may illuminateor print out an indication of such to the customer. In an embodimentwhere the customer is not entitled to more than one pass or entitlementto a second queue at a time, the first validator 32 is configured toverify that the customer has no other outstanding entitlements/passes.

In one embodiment, such as in the system illustrated in FIG. 2, if theticket is verified, the first validator 32 sends a signal of such to themedia distributor 38. The media distributor 38 then issues a pass to thecustomer. The pass includes an assigned access time at which thecustomer is entitled to return to the attraction 22 in the future andaccess the attraction 22 through the second queue 26.

The customer may then leave the area of the attraction 22. During thistime, the customer may shop, eat or engage in a wide variety of otheractivities.

At the appointed time, the customer returns to the attraction 22 andseeks access to the attraction via the second queue 26. The customerestablishes entitlement to access the attraction via the secondvalidator 34. In the embodiment where the customer is provided with apass which provides access, the customer presents the issued pass to aperson who verifies the current time and the time printed on the pass,the date of the pass and the attraction for which the pass providesaccess. If validated, then the customer is permitted to access theattraction 22. As provided above, the customer may establish entitlementto access the attraction in accordance with other methods, such as byscanning a fingerprint again.

In one or more embodiments, the customers gaining access to theattraction through the first and second queues may be separated. Forexample, for a ride having four cars, the first two cars may be filledwith customers from the first queue 24 and the second two cars filledwith customers from the second queue 26. In one or more embodiments, thecustomers gaining access to the attraction 22 are integrated inaccordance with the allocated capacity to the first and second queuecustomers.

In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted toaccess an attraction via the second queue 26 apart from the standardmethod of establishing entitlement at the first validator 32 and thenreturning to the second queue 26 of the attraction at the assigned time.For example, one or more passes may be issued to a number of customerswhich include pre-assigned times. One or more customers might, forexample, be issued passes on the same day or days or weeks before theassigned date of access. A customer arranging a trip to a theme park maybe permitted to purchase passes. In one or more embodiments, theseassigned “spots” are accounted for by the system when determining otherpasses to issue to those accessing the attraction with the firstvalidator.

In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted toaccess an attraction via the second queue 26 or even a third queuewithout a pass. For example, special VIP, disabled or other customersmay be permitted to access the attraction via the second queue 26 or athird queue which permits the customer to access the attraction at anytime.

As described above, in one or more embodiments of the system and methoda customer is prevented from obtaining more than one entitlement or passfor accessing an attraction at a single time. In another arrangement,some customers may be permitted to obtain multiple passes. In oneembodiment, the system may be arranged to permit customers to obtainmultiple passes at some times and not at others. For example, if thewait time for accessing one or two attractions is particularly long(whether by the first or second queue 24, 26) the system may be arrangedto permit customers to obtain passes for different attractions so thatthe customer avoids the need to access one attraction before obtaining apass for accessing another attraction.

Advantageously, the method and system of the present invention permitsone or more customers to gain access to an attraction without having towait in a standard line to access the attraction. This permits thecustomer to engage in other activities instead of waiting in line. Suchactivities may comprise shopping or eating.

In one or more embodiments, the method and system advantageously permits“real-time” adjustment of the flow of customers to the attraction 22 viathe first and second queues. This is advantageous since it permitsoptimization of the capacity of the attraction with the demand ofcustomers. In the event the line of customers in the first queue 24becomes excessively long, the system can provide for an adjustment inthe number of customers permitted to access the attraction 22 via thesecond queue 26 and thus reduce the wait time associated with the firstqueue. In addition, in the event the capacity of the attraction 22suddenly decreases, the system can provide for an adjustment in thenumber of customers and/or access times via the second queue 26 toprevent a build up of customers accessing the attraction 22 via thefirst and/or second queues. In the event the capacity of the attraction22 increases, the system can provide for an additional number ofcustomers to access the attraction 22 via the second queue 26 and/oradjust the access times to permit more customers to access theattraction.

Hierarchal and Remote Access Structures and Multiple FastpassCharacteristics

Hierarchal Structure

The invention also provides for managing admission to an attractionwhere there is a hierarchical structure for patrons using a prioritybasis set by the hierarchal system. Patrons in the hierarchy arepermitted access to a first attraction based on where they fall in thehierarchy. For example, those visitors staying in a partner resort hotelplanning a visit for the next day may be granted a higher priority thanthose patrons visiting the park for the day.

A request for an allocation of a space on the first attraction includesthe steps of:

-   -   i. receiving an input from a patron at a remote location. The        input is communicated to a central computer for requesting        access to an attraction;    -   ii. allocating available return times in relation to the level        of a patron in the hierarchy;    -   iii. transmitting the available return times for the first        attraction to the patron at the remote location; and    -   iv. permitting the patron to effect a choice of a selected        available return time.

The hierarchy in one format is determined on the basis of those remotelylocated from the environment when making a priority request and thoselocated at the environment making the priority request. Alternatively,the hierarchy is based on those resident in a facility associated withthe environment when making the request, and those located at theenvironment making the priority request.

The advantages of the hierarchal aspects of the invention are describedin relation to Segmentation, Guest Value Features, Models, Exchange,Distribution, Redemption, and Technical Features.

Segmentation

Different hierarchal models can be established for the ability and rightto obtain and use the Fastpass according to different priorities.

-   -   1. Guest        -   a. Spending per guest at hotels can determine different            hierarchies of access to Fastpass. Thus, the more that is            spent by a patron, the higher the priority can be for            Fastpass.        -   b. Hotel accommodation in related resorts and environments            associated with the entertainment center are allocated            different priorities. Where a patron is in a related hotel,            a higher priority can be given.        -   c. Different levels and hierarchies can be applicable at            different hotels. Thus, more luxurious hotels can have            higher priorities.    -   2. Seasonal differences can be factored into the grant of        different privileges. Accordingly, special promotions for        Fastpass can be provided according to the season.

Guest Value Features

By providing remote access at different early times, there can bedifferent advantages and benefits.

-   -   1. Early Fastpass Access        -   a. There is the ability to offer guests early access to            Fastpass via their in-room TV, (DTV or hotel kiosk), to            select the attractions for a Fastpass is required.            -   i. The ability to access this access may be variable,                such as the night before, day of prior to entertainment                park open, and day of after park opens.        -   b. Pre-Arrival            -   i. The Fastpass may be obtainable via the WEB from a                remote location such as a home computer                -   1. The Fastpass may be supplied as printed paper                    tickets                -   2. the Fastpass may be supplied electronically and                    wirelessly through a download to a PDA or cellular                    telephone    -   2. Multiple Fastpass accesses for Resort guests is possible        -   a. Each Guest per room is able to select same or separate            Fastpass as others in the room. As each attraction is            selected Guest can select which Guests want that selection.        -   b. The ability to offer different numbers (i.e. more than 3,            could be variable) of Fastpass based on segmentation.    -   3. There is the ability to offer premium return times based on        segmentation.    -   4. There is the ability to let segmented guests have first        chance to certain inventory.    -   5. There is the ability to allow guests with parkhopper        entitlements to choose a Fastpass for a second park on the same        day.    -   6. There is the ability to issue a concurrent Fastpass for the        day guest (with long virtual waits).

Models

The attendance and use profiles can be fed into the computer system toprovide advantages for modeling and planning the flow of patrons in theentertainment venue.

-   -   1. There is the ability to forecast return times so as not to        disadvantage the day guest. This is to minimize the impact to        Day Guests, and on first-in first-out guests.    -   2. There will be better inventory control through more        information driving the inventory availability is possible.        These include        -   a. The ability to dynamically change/tune the algorithms to            maximize yield by adding factors to the model            -   i. as they are discovered            -   ii. made available in an automated fashion (e.g.                no-shows, weather forecast feeds, current resort                occupancy, current or projected park attendance, ride                capacity, etc.)        -   b. The ability to dynamically change availability for resort            and day guests.        -   c. The ability to adjust by day which attractions are            offered.

Exchange

-   -   1. Guests are able to exchange Fastpass once inside the park        -   a. For a different ride        -   b. Guests are able to exchange for same ride, new time, if            available        -   c. The exchange should come from the global inventory and            add back the ticket they are exchanging.

Guest Fastpass Distribution

-   -   1. Fastpass location in the park can be:        -   a. Any        -   b. First        -   c. Any of the selected    -   2. In resort or accommodation associated with the entertainment        area        -   a. Kiosk in lobby        -   b. Delivered to room        -   c. At front desk    -   3. Cell phone, pager, smart toy, PDA, or/other New Technology    -   4. Linked to KTTW card        -   a. KTTW cards, whether or not they have ticket media, should            be recognized by the system

Redemption

-   -   1. Automatic redemption, for instance by RF-ID, magnetic swipe,        barcode, is possible. Characteristics include any one or more        of:        -   a. Real-time, or near real-time, add back to inventory when            there is a no-show            -   i. Prior patterns related to patron are added to                historical basis of information        -   b. Guest redemption at the point of entry to the attraction            or entertainment area        -   c. Cast post entry by a cast member at an attraction        -   d. This links back to the ticket entitlement for            tracking/reporting    -   5. Cetaure clocks the ability to display information other than        return and wait-times (Unavailable/Closed/etc. messages).

Mobile System

Wireless Reservations

Patrons are permitted priority access to one or more attractions by aprior allocation of a space to the attraction through use of a personalwireless device such as a cellular telephone. A particular advantage ofa cellular telephone is that it is a standard wireless communicationmeans inexpensively accessible to many customers, and is indeed adevice, which is essentially becoming common place and owned and usedregularly by consumers internationally. Cellular telephones are becomingthe standard and common form of mass communication wirelessly, and assuch the application of the invention is particularly directed to thecellular telephone form of wireless mobile communication device. Othermobile communications devices could be used, however the preferredapplication is for the cellular telephone, which is workable preferablyfor keying activation and/or voice actuation.

A patron of an attraction can conveniently use their cellular telephonein order to gain access to an attraction. The cellular telephone ispreferably capable of sending and receiving e-mail or text messages.Alternatively, the cellular telephone is preferably capable ofretrieving and viewing Internet Web pages or data.

The patron first registers with the reservation system. This may be donein a number of ways. For example, the patron manually enters anidentifier from their ticket, such as a ticket number, onto the keypadof their cellular phone. This identifier is then sent to a web site. Acentral computer validates that the ticket number or other identifier isa ticket issued on that day. This avoids the situation where a personaccesses the web site and requests access to attractions when they arenot going to be present in the park that day. Once a patron has beenvalidated, messages are returned to their cellular telephone promptingpatrons to choose from at least one of a plurality of attractionsavailable for making reservations.

Alternatively, an employee at the entertainment venue may use a devicesuch as a scanner to read information on the patron's ticket. Thiseliminates any need for the patron to manually enter a ticket numberinto the telephone. This information may be associated with the patron'stelephone number or other unique identifier associated with theirpersonal wireless device and sent to a central computer. The patron thenreceives a message on their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions for reserving access.

Once a patron has been successfully validated or registered with thesystem the system recognizes their personal wireless device for anallotted time period. For example, the allotted time period may be forthe amount of time the ticket is good, such as one day. The patron canthen communicate back-and-forth, requesting reservations to anattraction, and receiving validation of their reservation.

In an exemplary embodiment, validation is received in the form of abarcode image displayed on the cellular telephone display screen. Thepatron then uses the cellular telephone at the entrance of theattraction to validate their access to the ride by holding it up to abarcode scanning device.

In other embodiments, other media such as a paper ticket may be used.The patron would go to a media generator to pick up their ticket. A barcode can be provided on the paper ticket.

The use of the Fastpass system in a mobile sense with a wireless devicesuch as a cellular telephone is now further described.

As is shown in FIG. 10, a guest would enter a process to obtain parkadmission electronically, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The cellulartelephone is preferably capable of sending and receiving e-mail or textmessages. Alternatively, the cellular telephone is preferably capable ofretrieving and viewing Internet Web pages or data. This operation of thecellular telephone or wireless device can be effected by keying inrequests, responding to prompts on a screen or orally. As such thedevice can include voice recognition software or other similarcapabilities.

The patron first registers with the mobile Fastpass system. This may, bedone in a number of ways. For example, the patron manually enters anidentifier from their ticket (such as a ticket number) onto the keypadof their cellular phone. This identifier is then sent to a web site. Acentral computer validates that the ticket number or other identifier isthat a ticket issued on that day. This avoids the situation where aperson accesses the web site and requests access to attractions whenthey are not present in the park. Once a patron has been validated, amessages returned to their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions available for makingreservations.

Alternatively, an employee at the entertainment venue may use a devicesuch as a scanner to read information on the patron's ticket. Thiseliminates any need for the patron to manually enter a ticket numberinto the telephone. This information may be associated with the patron'stelephone number or other unique identifier associated with theirpersonal wireless device and sent to a central computer. The patron thenreceives a message on their cellular telephone prompting them to choosefrom at least one of a plurality of attractions for which access isbeing reserved.

More detail of a system in accordance with the present invention isshown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Generally, an admission is purchased and issued to a patron entering anentertainment environment. In one embodiment, the admission ticket datais scanned to the entertainment venue. Admission ticket data for the dayis made available to the Fastpass system, granting those patrons whohave purchased tickets access to the system for that day. Thereafter, acellular telephone is used to interface with the system.

In another embodiment, registration is effected in advance. A guestaccesses a web page through a cellular telephone or other web enableddevice and register a ticket ID and the necessary information. The webtelephone through a screen indicates the ability to get ticketinformation. This information can be sent to an e-mail address or can besent to a physical address. When the registration is effected inadvance, this is checked against an advanced database by passing asignal from the cellular telephone to the database through anappropriate transmission. Ticketing information is thereby obtained whenthere is consistency with the data.

Once a patron has been successfully validated or registered with thesystem, the system recognizes their personal wireless device for anallotted time period. For example, the allotted time period may be forthe amount of time the ticket is good for, such as one day. The patroncan then communicate back-and-forth, requesting reservations to anattraction, and receiving validation of their reservation.

In some embodiments, validation is acquired by accessing the Fastpassissue site and acquiring an actual Fastpass ticket. Through the cellulartelephone, the guest would receive mail with information on the Fastpassissue site, which can be located at a kiosk or different site in theentertainment environment or some resort or facility associated with theentertainment environment.

In an exemplary embodiment, validation is received in the form of abarcode image displayed on the cellular telephone display screen, as isillustrated in FIG. 13. The patron then uses the cellular telephone atthe entrance of the attraction to validate their access to the ride byholding it up to a barcode scanning device. In other embodiments, othermedia such as a paper ticket may be used. The patron must go to such amedia generator to pick up their ticket.

When there is information received which conforming to the advancedatabase registration, the cellular telephone of the guest receives ane-mail with the Fastpass issue site address. The screen of the cellulartelephone will then show the appropriate welcoming message to Fastpassindicating the appropriate website. Through the interaction, with thekeypad on the cellular telephone, the Fastpass is acquired by clickingthrough different attractions and selecting the Fastpass at a time rangewhich is available and given by the provider of the ticket. When aFastpass ticket is acquired, a barcode or the like is then displayed onthe cellular telephone of the user. The use of the Fastpass is achievedby presenting the barcode in front of a scanner to validate the Fastpassentry. The scanner would be associated with the attraction.

FIG. 14 is a further illustration of a mobile system in accordance withthe present invention. Cellular telephones having the ability to accessweb pages are utilized by patrons to communicate with a server in orderto request and receive access to an attraction. An appropriate firewallis in place and where access is possible to the server, communicationstake place between the cellular telephone and the server. Communicationwith the server may be restricted or limited based on the telephoneservice provider. There are additionally appropriate computers PC1 andPC2 transmit information to the server wirelessly or through LAN line asnecessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the cellular telephone communicates throughthe firewall with the server operating the website, for instancewww.fastpass.com. Similarly, the cellular telephone operates through thefirewall with a database management system and computers for issuingtickets and Fastpass tickets. There can be a dedicated line connectionbetween the production server operating the website and the serversoperating the attractions and access to the attractions through theentertainment environment.

FIGS. 16-17 show the message flow on a screen of a cellular telephone aspresented to a user in one embodiment of the present invention. Amessage is generated from the server operating the Fastpass site.Welcome message 160 is shown along with information regardingregistration 162. The user is prompted to enter information such asticket ID, mailing address, and telephone number. This information isthen sent to a server for processing to ensure that the ticket ID ornumber is valid. Confirmation that registration has been successfullycompleted along with the address or link to the Fastpass ticket issuesite is then sent by e-mail to the user. Information is given to theuser on the cellular telephone about the Fastpass ticket and theregistration number.

A user uses selection means on the telephone to select the differentattractions for which the user requires a Fastpass ticket. Return timesare then provided by the computer system operating the loading on theattraction and other attractions in the entertainment environment. Whena Fastpass ticket is acquired, a barcode or other such signal isprovided to the cellular telephone, which can then be used at theattraction when using the Fastpass to access the attraction. Informationabout the issued Fastpass is then presented to the user includingindications as to when the Fastpass is available for use, such as beingin or out of time, whether the Fastpass can be used for more than onepatron and/or whether the Fastpass can be used multiple times.

Other examples of the use of the invention include the ability to have apatron's or user's cellular telephone or wireless device be tracked asthat person moves around the facility, or defined area. For instance,this provides for locating guests or patrons and for the centralfacility computer to track the location of guests and patrons, and makerecommendations as necessary to those persons. In an entertainmentenvironment, when a particular attraction is non-functional for instanceas a priority system or at all, the recommendations can suggestalternative attractions or activities to the patrons. Such alternativescan be accepted on a priority basis in lieu of the unavailable priorityservices for the non-available attraction.

General

Other kinds of environments envisioned by the invention include thosewhere unnecessary crowding may occur and/or where it is desirable tocontrol the flow of masses of people to or from a desired location. Inthis sense, some other examples of the system, apparatus and methods ofthe invention include evacuation plans from centers in times ofemergency or potential emergency. Such emergency could be an impendingnational threat or threats arising from subversive forces or people.

Additionally, the system can be used for planning exit strategies fromevents in theaters, stadiums and the like.

Also, the system can be used for guiding and controlling masses ofpeople in the use of limited transportation systems, such as in publictransport systems including rail, air, marine and bus transportation.

The system can have application for emergency management applicationsfor different community, state and federal authorities.

The system can assist in evacuations from homes, buildings, centers,entertainment and attraction areas and resorts, which are located inareas of disaster or threatened disaster. As such it can be used formanagement of limited exit routes, which include both foot, road, rail,and airline exits. In this manner, it also provides for the controlledusage of road, rail, marine facilities, vehicles, roadways, railways andairline flights.

A method and system of managing the movement persons from a defined areacomprises communicating with persons, selectively through a wirelessmedium, and more selectively through a cellular telephone in connectionwith departure from a first location. Thereafter application through anentry of a request on the communication medium, selectively a cellulartelephone, for an allocation of a space or time for leaving a designatedfirst location is permitted.

This includes the steps of:

i. receiving an input from a person at a remote first location, theinput being communicated to a central computer for regulating thenumbers of persons at a first location relative to persons beingdirected to at a second location;

ii. permitting the receiving of a response by the persons remotely aboutavailable times for the departing from a first location; and

iii. permitting the person to effect a selection of one of the departuretimes;

An input, preferably keying, operation is employed through the cellulartelephone to provide for permitting the departure from the firstlocation.

The input from the remote first location is received from a telephonekeypad, selectively a cellular phone keypad. The input is effected frommultiple first locations in the environment, and wherein a keypad of thecellular telephone is used for permitting the departure from multiplefirst locations to multiple selected second locations. Persons at thefirst location who are not allocated a time for departure, are permittedto depart on an first-in first-out availability basis.

Many other examples of the invention exist, each differing from othersin matters of detail only.

For instance, other variations of the invention include the use of dtmf(tone choices), voice recognition, and sms (short messages service) ascommunication mediums along with web/wap. These media are particularlyfor use with the cell phone/wireless applications. Access and Fastpassacquisition can be directly achieved on a dedicated website with orwithout a wireless device for connecting to the site. The differentfeatures of the invention can be achieved by the programs of theinvention and made available selectively as required or preferred on thewebsite.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of one or more embodimentsof the invention, and various changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as definedby the claims.

1. A method of managing the loading of patrons to an attraction having apredetermined attraction capacity in an entertainment environmentwherein patrons are permitted access to the attraction on at least twobases, the first being a first-in first-out basis, and the second beinga priority basis established by a prior allocation of a return time,comprising: receiving from a patron a priority request for an allocationof a return time, the priority request being entered on a televisionunit located at a resort facility, the priority request being receivedat a central computer that regulates the number of patrons allowed toenter the attraction, wherein the resort facility is related to theentertainment environment and is located remotely from the entertainmentenvironment; transmitting to the patron an allocated return time via thetelevision unit; and filling the attraction to its predeterminedattraction capacity with patrons on a first-in first-out basis, withoutreserving space for a patron having the allocated return time who is notpresent at the attraction during the allocated return time, and if apatron having the allocated return time is present at the attractionduring the allocated return time then preferentially loading the patronhaving the allocated return time.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving multiple priority requests from the patron, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein a first selection of patrons is permittedto make multiple priority requests, the multiple priority requests beingfor patrons from a second selection of patrons.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the television unit is located in a room of the patron, theroom of the patron being associated with the entertainment environment.5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving multiple priorityrequests from the patron, the multiple requests being for differentattractions in the environment.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein afirst selection of patrons is permitted to make multiple priorityrequests, the multiple priority requests being for patrons from a secondselection of patrons.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the televisionunit is located at a common area of a resort facility.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, further comprising receiving multiple priority requests fromthe patron, the multiple requests being for different attractions in theenvironment.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein a first selection ofpatrons is permitted to make multiple priority requests, the multiplepriority requests being for patrons from a second selection of patrons.10. The method of claim 1, wherein a hierarchy of patrons is generatedbased on patrons remotely located from the environment when making apriority request, and patrons located at the entertainment environmentwhen making the priority request.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein ahierarchy of patrons is generated based on patrons remotely located fromthe environment when making a priority request, patrons residing in afacility associated with the entertainment environment, and patronlocated at the entertainment environment when making the priorityrequest.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the return time is redeemedthrough an automatic procedure, wherein the automatic procedure includesany one of a reading of a radio frequency identification allocated tothe patron, a reading of a magnetic code allocated to the patron, or areading of a barcode allocated to the patron.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the return time is redeemed at a time of entry into theentertainment environment or at the time of entry into the attraction inthe entertainment environment.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein saidallocated return time may or may not be redeemed by said patron, andfurther comprising the steps of determining the number of unredeemedreturn times to the number of allocated times, and feeding backredemptions of return times such that near real time updates of returntime availability may be computed.
 15. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of permitting at least one exchange or return ofthe return time to the patron having the return time, and updating thecomputation of the number of patrons allowed to enter the attractionbased on the at least one exchange or return of the return time.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the steps of factoring unredeemedreturn times into a computation of the number of patrons allowed toenter the attraction.
 17. A method of managing the loading of patrons toan attraction wherein patrons are permitted access to the attraction onat least two bases, the first being a first-in first-out basis, and thesecond being a priority basis established by a prior allocation of areturn time, comprising: receiving from a patron a priority request foran allocation of a return time, the priority request being entered on atelevision unit, the priority request being received at a centralcomputer that regulates the number of patrons allowed to enter theattraction; transmitting to the patron an allocated return time via thetelevision unit; and filling the attraction to its predeterminedattraction capacity with patrons on a first-in first-out basis, withoutreserving space for a patron having the allocated return time who is notpresent at the attraction during the allocated return time, and when apatron having the allocated return time is present at the attractionduring the allocated return time then preferentially loading the patronhaving the allocated return time.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising receiving multiple priority requests from the patron, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment.19. The method of claim 17, wherein a first selection of patrons ispermitted to make multiple priority requests, the multiple priorityrequests being for patrons from a second selection of patrons.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the television unit is located in a room ofthe patron, the room of the patron being associated with theentertainment environment.
 21. The method of claim 20, furthercomprising receiving multiple priority requests from the patron, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment.22. The method of claim 20, wherein a first selection of patrons ispermitted to make multiple priority requests, the multiple priorityrequests being for patrons from a second selection of patrons.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the television unit is located at a commonarea of a resort facility.
 24. The method of claim 23, furthercomprising receiving multiple priority requests from the patron, themultiple requests being for different attractions in the environment.25. The method of claim 23, wherein a first selection of patrons ispermitted to make multiple priority requests, the multiple priorityrequests being for patrons from a second selection of patrons.
 26. Themethod of claim 17, wherein a hierarchy of patrons is generated based onpatrons remotely located from the environment when making a priorityrequest, and patrons located at the entertainment environment whenmaking the priority request.
 27. The method of claim 17, wherein ahierarchy of patrons is generated based on patrons remotely located fromthe environment when making a priority request, patrons residing in afacility associated with the entertainment environment, and patronlocated at the entertainment environment when making the priorityrequest.
 28. The method of claim 17, wherein the allocated return timeis redeemed through an automatic procedure, wherein the automaticprocedure includes any one of a reading of a radio frequencyidentification allocated to the patron, a reading of a magnetic codeallocated to the patron, or a reading of a barcode allocated to thepatron.
 29. The method of claim 17, wherein the allocated return time isredeemed at a time of entry into the entertainment environment or at thetime of entry into the attraction in the entertainment environment. 30.The method of claim 17, wherein said allocated return time may or maynot be redeemed by said patron, and further comprising the steps ofdetermining the number of unredeemed return times to the number ofallocated times, and feeding back redemptions of return times such thatnear real time updates of return time availability may be computed. 31.The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of permitting atleast one exchange or return of the return time to the patron having thereturn time, and updating the computation of the number of patronsallowed to enter the attraction based on the at least one exchange orreturn of the return time.
 32. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising the steps of factoring unredeemed return times into acomputation of the number of patrons allowed to enter the attraction.